Welcome - American Sign Language & Deaf Studies
ASL & DS
ASL&DS description
American Sign Language & Deaf Studies is an intensive two-year program designed to prepare students to pursue a baccalaureate degree in American Sign Language & Deaf Studies interpreting or provide for a foundation in careers that serve deaf individuals.
Spotlight on Academic Majors: American Sign Language and Deaf Studies
VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE
ASL Resources
Welcome to American Sign Language & Deaf Studies
The American Sign Language & Deaf Studies Program is located on the campus of the Indiana School for the Deaf in Indianapolis. Faculty are Deaf, native signers who have taken intensive training in teaching ASL & Deaf Studies.
The curriculum provides for full immersion into ASL Deaf Studies through learning-centered instruction both inside and outside the classroom. The unique location allows for involvement and collaboration with deaf students and the vibrant Deaf Community of Indianapolis.
Find out if a career in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies is right for you!
Virtual Tour: (Video Source 2018 - 2019)
About ASL and Deaf Studies
Vincennes University is the only public university in the state of Indiana to offer an academic program in American Sign Language & Deaf Studies (ASL and Deaf Studies). Established in 1990, the VU course curriculum provides:
- Learning-centered instruction both inside and outside the classroom
- Application and practice to acquire and use ASL and Deaf Studies
- Involvement and collaboration with students of the local deaf community
Strengths and Opportunities
ASL and Deaf Studies - Interpreter Preparation faculty are deaf, native signers who have taken intensive training in teaching American Sign Language & Deaf Studies. The vibrant deaf community of Indianapolis provides ASL and Deaf Studies students with varied opportunities to meet and interact with deaf individuals at sporting events, senior centers, workshops, church events, and numerous other types of activities within the community.The VU Advantage
Successful graduates will have earned an associate’s degree in ASL and Deaf Studies and will be fully qualified to work side by side with deaf individuals, work in careers that come in contact with the deaf persons, or take with them a strong foundation of ASL and Deaf Studies and pursue a bachelors degree in interpreting, education, or other fields of study.Transferability: Most VU students transfer into interpreter programs, earning a bachelor’s degree. They may also choose to study social work, law, and a wide range of other careers where deaf people are served.
Flexible Scheduling: VU offers flexible scheduling through classes provided at times that are convenient for you. Morning, afternoon, evening, and online classes are available.
Intimate Class Setting: A limited number of dorm rooms are available for those who are full-time students. Each apartment consists of a living room, two private bedrooms, and a bathroom located within the VU ASL & Deaf Studies Department Building on the campus of the Indiana School for the Deaf.
Contact Information
Tami Dominguez-Administrative Assistant
tdominguez@vinu.edu
Phone: 317-923-2305
Alumni Testimonials
Mackenzie Rhyno
Class of 2019
Freelance Interpreter
"I chose Vincennes ASL & Deaf Studies program, not only for its unique location on the campus of the Indiana School for the Deaf, but also for the amazing Deaf teachers and high-quality education. It is the best ASL program I have ever seen."
Rachel Neff
Class of 2019
Luna Language Interpreter Fellowship Program
"My experience at the Vincennes ASL & Deaf Studies program was amazing! I learned so much and benefited from a fully immersive educational environment. Living in the dorms was so much fun! The small class sizes made it easy to bond with my fellow classmates and professors. I highly recommend this program."
Meet our Faculty
Cynthia Sanders
Program Chair, Associate Professor
csanders@vinu.edu
Bonnie Conner
Assistant Professor
bconner@vinu.edu
Beatrice Pfaff
Adjunct Professor
bpfaff@vinu.edu
Tamara Dominguez
Administrative Assistant
tdominguez@vinu.edu

Joshua Cook
Adjunct Professor
joshua.cook@vinu.edu
Scholarships
VU Scholarship Foundation/How to Apply
Awards and Scholarships
The most popular form of support is the development of Scholarships. With almost 600 existing scholarship and department funds, the Foundation may already have a program that matches your career goals or investment niche.
Remember to complete your Free Application For Federal Student Aid [FAFSA] each year FAFSA APPLY
WE USE A GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FOR MOST SCHOLARSHIPS
Start your application for scholarships HERE
For Students
View or download as PDF:
Helpful Links
Wabash Valley Connect - Proving free or reduced cost services like medical care, food, job training and more: https://wabashvalleyconnect.org
- Blackboard and GoReact Tutorials (View Online & Print)
- 2021 Fall Semester Course Offerings (View Online & Print)
- Academic Scholarship Info Sheet (View Online & Print)
- Academic Calendar for 2020-2021 (View Online)
- Accredited Schools Online (View Online)
- American Sign Language & Deaf Studies Handbook 2021-2022 (View Online & Print)
- ASL and Deaf Studies Curriculum Mask 2020-2021
- VU & IUPUI ASLDS AA Course Catalog (View Online & Print)
- Standard AA Course Catalog (View Online & Print)
- How to Apply (View Online & Print)
- ASL Library Books and Videos (View Online & Print)
- VU ASL and Deaf Studies Program Course Registration (View Online & Print)
- Getting Started (View Online & Print)
- MYVU Username and Password (View Online & Print)
- Indiana School for the Deaf: http://www.deafhoosiers.com
- ISD Athletics: https://www.deafhoosiers.com/athletics
- Indiana Association of the Deaf:http://www.iadhoosiers.org
- Subscribe to IDN500: http://www.iadhoosiers.org
- Tutoring and Proctoring: https://my.vinu.edu/web/distance-education/learning-unlimited
Events
- GIDC Membership Sale
- GIDC Membership Dues
- PTCO Day
- Indiana School for the Deaf - Calendar of Events
- ISD Sporting Events 2021-2022
- Indiana School for the Deaf Homepage
- Greater Indianapolis Deaf Ministries
- Deaf Community Bowling League
- ISD Baseball & Softball Bird Classic
- ISD Track & Field Invitational
Click Here to see a list of all of our Events!
Media Gallery



ASL Map and Contact Info Section
Our Location
Contact Information
Tami Dominguez, Administrative Assistant
Dr. Cynthia Sanders, Program Chair